Uplink Positioning Reference Signals for RIS Measurement Prioritization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in enhancing spectral efficiency, reducing latency, and improving signaling efficiency for accurate mobile device positioning, especially with the introduction of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) that complicate signal measurements.

Innovation Solution

The use of differentiated signal types, including RIS-reflected and non-RIS-reflected signals, with specific transmission characteristics, and UE capabilities to prioritize and report higher-quality measurements, along with on-demand PRS requests and power control techniques to optimize positioning accuracy and reduce latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If RIS-reflected signals are used for positioning, then coverage is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to signal quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpositioning measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments positioning reference signals into two distinct types: RIS-reflected PRS and non-RIS-reflected PRS. This segmentation allows the system to separately handle and measure signals based on their reflection path, enabling the UE to prioritize higher-quality measurements while still utilizing RIS-reflected signals for extended coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters by introducing separate measurement configurations for RIS-reflected and non-RIS-reflected signals. This includes different quality thresholds, measurement priorities, and reporting criteria, allowing the system to optimize positioning accuracy by selectively processing signals based on their specific characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple signal types are measured, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signaling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning measurement accuracyVSAvoidsignaling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning reference signal measurements into distinct categories (RIS-reflected and non-RIS-reflected), each with its own measurement configuration and reporting requirements. This structured segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable components rather than treating all measurements uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic measurement prioritization where the UE can adaptively select which signal type to measure and report based on current signal conditions and quality thresholds. This dynamic approach reduces signaling overhead by only reporting measurements that meet specific criteria rather than reporting all measurements universally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If all PRS measurements are reported, then positioning accuracy is improved, but latency increases due to processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning measurement accuracyVSAvoidpositioning latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by requiring the UE to report only the most relevant PRS measurements that meet quality thresholds, rather than reporting all measurements. This selective reporting reduces processing overhead and latency while still providing sufficient data for accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic measurement reporting where the UE adaptively selects which measurements to report based on current signal conditions and quality criteria. This dynamic filtering reduces the volume of data that needs to be processed and transmitted, thereby reducing positioning latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances measurement accuracy and reduces positioning latency by prioritizing higher-quality signal measurements and optimizing resource allocation, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of mobile device location determination.

Implementation Method 1

reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are used to assist the base station (BS) to localize the user equipment (UE) in the mm-wave MIMO systems, where the reference signals sent by the UE are measured by the BS and the information of the direct UE-BS path and the reflection paths via RISs are utilized in the localization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4302116B1RIS-aided and non-RIS-aided uplink signaling
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4302116B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4302116B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4302116B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A positioning reference signal provision method includes: transmitting, from a UE directly to a telecommunication device other than a repeater, a first UL-PRS of a first type of UL-PRS; and transmitting, from the UE to a RIS, a second UL-PRS of a second type of UL-PRS.